Gen Z most anxious about AI job displacement

Gen Z professionals are most concerned about job security in an AI-driven future, according to a new report from Reeracoen. The Perception of AI in the Workplace report, which surveyed over 400 professionals across 50 industries, found that 53.5% of participants expressed concern about AI replacing jobs, with Gen Z showing the highest levels of anxiety.

The findings come as Singapore ramps up its AI capabilities with a S$1 billion (US$762.7 million) investment under the Smart Nation 2.0 initiative, aimed at promoting responsible AI adoption and fostering a future-ready workforce.

The report also highlighted key generational differences in how AI is perceived and integrated in the workplace. While Gen Z professionals are more concerned about AI’s mid-term impact on job security, older generations are less worried about immediate threats. Despite these concerns, 62.4% of respondents are taking proactive measures to stay competitive, with many enrolling in data analytics and AI-related courses. Specifically, Gen Z is focusing on technical skills to stay competitive, while older employees are leveraging local resources to enhance their learning.

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However, only 23.1% of professionals felt their organisations were fully supportive in preparing them for AI-related changes, indicating a critical need for enhanced corporate strategies that prioritise employee upskilling and readiness for technological transformation.

Kenji Naito, Group CEO of Reeracoen Group, stressed the importance of both corporate and individual efforts in navigating the future workplace, and said, “As AI reshapes the workforce, our role is to guide organisations and jobseekers to navigate these changes successfully. This report provides invaluable insights, enabling us to align our strategies with Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 vision and connect organisations with AI-ready talent.”

“Our findings show that while AI adoption is accelerating, organisations must take proactive steps to support their employees’ upskilling. By connecting organisations with high-calibre candidates, we will continue contributing to Singapore’s vision of becoming a global AI hub.”